MoU with Godrej Agrovet to Boost Sustainable Farming and Women Empowerment: CM Fadnavis

Over 5,000 women farmers across nine districts to receive training in sustainable agriculture under the pact

Mumbai, Feb 2026 :“Maharashtra’s farmers are the backbone of the state’s economy. Women play a decisive role in thousands of farming families. The agreement with Godrej Agrovet reflects the state government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, women empowerment and strengthening the rural economy,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Fadnavis, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Godrej Agrovet Limited and the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM–UMED) to empower women farmers in the state. Through this agreement, more than 5,000 women farmers from nine cotton-growing districts will receive training in sustainable and modern farming practices.

A significant step towards women farmer empowerment

Chief Minister Fadnavis said, “Farmers are the backbone of Maharashtra. The livelihoods of thousands of families depend on agriculture, and many of these families are led by capable women. The government is committed to ensuring that such farmers receive timely access to easy credit and necessary support. In this context, the partnership with Godrej Agrovet symbolizes our dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and gender inclusion. Through modern technology and scientific farming methods, rural women farmers will become self-reliant and make a valuable contribution to the state’s economy.”

He added that by equipping women farmers with scientific farming practices, market opportunities and informed decision-making capabilities, this initiative aims to bring long-term improvements in agricultural productivity, livelihoods and rural sustainability in Maharashtra.

Scope and significance of the initiative

In view of the United Nations declaring 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, this three-year initiative will be implemented across Maharashtra. The MoU between Godrej Agrovet and MSRLM aims to empower over 5,000 women farmers in nine cotton-producing districts. Under the initiative, women farmers will be trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM), helping reduce production costs and increase income.

The state government continues its efforts to connect women farmers with modern technology, scientific guidance and market linkages. This partnership marks an important milestone in strengthening women farmers.

The three-year collaboration will encourage Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women farmers to adopt GAP and IPM, leading to increased agricultural productivity and the creation of sustainable and resilient livelihoods.

Benefits to over 5,000 women farmers across 50,000 acres

In the first phase, the programme will cover nine districts—Nagpur, Amravati, Yavatmal, Washim, Parbhani, Jalgaon, Beed, Akola and Nanded. More than 5,000 women farmers and 100 Self-Help Groups across 50,000 acres will benefit from the initiative. Over the next three years, the programme will be expanded to cover more than 500 Self-Help Groups, with plans to extend it beyond cotton to maize and other crop growers as well.

Under the agreement, MSRLM–UMED will facilitate the mobilization and coordination of women farmers through SHGs and the Krushi Sakhi network. Godrej Agrovet will provide training workshops, demonstration plots, Farmer Field Schools and safety kits. Jointly, Godrej Agrovet and MSRLM–UMED will conduct training programmes on GAP, IPM and safety practices, organize Farmer Field Schools, develop demonstration plots and distribute safety kits.